Recommended Habits for Artists

Sometimes we fall into habits that turn out to hinder our progress over time, but there are also a ton of healthy habits you can adopt that can improve your quality of life as an artist. In this video, Bobby shares the habits that he believes are most helpful towards reaching your goals and accelerating your career.
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[@eitroo]

1. be a good role model 2. rethink how you do things 3. communication, the art of conversation, is important 4. do more than you're paid for 5. do the most important thing you don't want to do first 6. change your frame of mind when you think about your bad habits. 7. look for something new to learn every day!!!

[@BobbyChiu]

👍👍👍👍👍 ~S

[@louera]

this list only gives the gist of what he says, but listening the the whole video is quite important, for others out there who's looking for the meat of it

[@simonspethmann8086]

thank you! 🙂 (I was actually taking notes and painting at the same time, so I missed some things. This helped. 👍)

[@paultakahashiart]

I'm a drawing instructor, working with both children and adults. One sentence I hear time and time again during workshops is "I can't do it!," regardless of the age or actual skill of the student. I try to get them into the habit of keeping a distance from their work. Neither a good or a bad drawing say anything about your own self-worth. Of course a good drawing is rewarding, but a bad drawing simply shows you where to focus your attention next. A bad drawing is a guiding post, not a punishment or testament of failure. Getting into the habit of enjoying the process with loving patience (that is as much failure as it is success) instead of fretting over the expected result is what I can offer as advice.

[@BobbyChiu]

THIS!!!!!❤️❤️❤️ ~S

[@nealtse9125]

Years ago I ran into Bobby Chiu at Chicago Wizard World comic con. I showed him my student art portfolio. He could have nitpicked my wonky proportions, composition, shaky rendering, but instead he told me, you have your drawings and your digital paintings. Rely on your lines less. Make them disappear. Which was brilliant, because it was such simple advice, but then it forces you to really think about your painting and edges and filling the piece and its final outcome.

[@BobbyChiu]

Wow Wizard World Chicago! That’s been a whileeeeee! Thanks so much for the walk down memory lane

[@loni6473]

A habbit or mindset I have to remember is that taking a break isn't equal of being lazy or a bad artist. Sometimes a break is needed to recharge, and it's OK to step aside and recharge and then continue learning and building your skills.

[@BobbyChiu]

Agreed! My only thing is when people try to give their arm a rest but take a break by going on their phones swiping and tapping and making their arm problems develop even faster. When someone takes a break, truly take a break...

[@loni6473]

@@BobbyChiu yeah totally. But also breaks for the mind. To get a new perspective and gather new experiences.

[@MoikaloopTV]

I value the things you are saying a lot. I hope that this makes sense to a lot of your students because it can save you so many years of unnecessary stress. Understanding how habit and habit-building work is super important. For me the book "Atomic Habits" kinda changed my life in that regard, I highly recommend it.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for sharing that book recommendation!! We're glad you found Bobby's tips helpful and can relate to how habit-building can prevent a lot of stress later on. Thanks so much for watching! :) ~s

[@iamtheotherperson8383]

one habit I live by is: do what you say and say what you do. So be accountable and honest, and communicate. Talk to your colleagues, clients, boss, whomever may need to know what is going on.

[@BobbyChiu]

This is a great tip, and holding yourself accountable (or having others hold you accountable) is a good way to make sure you do what you say you're going to do! ~S

[@sayanikaart8680]

I recall you saying in another livestream , "Feed your artistic soul." I'll carry this advice in my heart forever. And also the concept of energy bar was ✨ awesome ✨

[@BobbyChiu]

Oh thank u!

[@chayemor]

My favorite habit is waking up at a time when my household is asleep, it really helps to get through two solid hours without any kind of interruption. Add another 2 hours during the day before sleeping time, and bam, you've got 4h practice while still managing that 9-5.

[@BobbyChiu]

That's a great tip! Waking up early can really set the tone for the day and allow you to relax, organize your schedule, and plan for a productive day. It's also a great way to reduce stress!! Making time for yourself and your hobbies is super important and a great habit for artists (or anyone!) to try and implement. :) ~S

[@laurathena]

Yes! I wake up at 6-7am (I'm on my summer vacation), an hour ago that is, getting my coffee on, letting the husband and dog sleep while getting my writing and learning in (I know I am on YT, still waiting for the caffeine to kick in :P), and then I can do some loose sketching once my husband wakes up, and he is trying to get through his morning (and waiting for the caffeine to kick in :P) and not feeling super conversational yet. And eventually, later in the day get into drawing/painting based on those sketches, if anything interesting came up, or continue whatever WIP. It's fantastic. And that is so true, taking advantage of those moments when people are asleep and you can just sink into your own world and do your thing. However short they may be, they add up.

[@Gr95dc]

oh damn, I misread the title and thought it said "Recommended Habits for *Arthritis*" and I was like "hell yeah, tips for artists with arthritis" 😭😂

[@BobbyChiu]

Hahahaha, oh gosh!! Maybe Bobby will be making a video like that in about 40 years hahaha ~S

[@PropheticAnomaly]

8:30 I love this so much and it's so true. One of my favorite quotes: "Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” The older I get the more I realize how valuable and limited my time is. I always prioritize the most important task. I get exhausted from even the smallest things like going to the store, so it's important that I manage my time and energy wisely.

[@BobbyChiu]

That's a great quote to remember! Managing your time wisely is so important, and it's great that you're aware of your own limits so that you can plan accordingly! Thanks for watching this video :) ~S

[@dillardparker7546]

When I get stuck and I am not sure what I want to do next-- I go for a 30-minute walk to clear my head and refocus. No phone no computer nothing.

[@BobbyChiu]

This is so important!! Taking breaks and allowing yourself the time to clear your head is a great way to refocus yourself so you can be more productive when you get back to work. :) ~S

[@faiqcreates]

Unless you live in a desert

[@dillardparker7546]

@@faiqcreates each must define their own method within their particular paradigm...given circumstances.

[@3dartstudent973]

Ur work and the way u explain ideas inspires me in my art journey, thank u so much for enriching art community, 😊

[@BobbyChiu]

thank you so much for the nice encouraging words!

[@catsrup123]

getting out of ur comfort zone and talking to others is so difficult for me but I need to learn and do it

[@BobbyChiu]

that's the right attitude! It was hard for me in the beginning as well. I'd just start sweating... lol

[@owendoud6812]

Man I love your advice and conversation. There are a ton of artists that I think try to focus too much on skill and not on being an outstanding individual. I know that every artist I know personally should really listen to what you said here.

[@BobbyChiu]

So true! Of course it's great if you have a lot of skill, but being a kind and considerate person are equally important qualities to have if you want to be successful as an artist! :) Thanks for watching!! ~S

[@Lilmomo-st5zh]

Bobby, you are such an amazing person. I constantly get depressed about my progression through life and your vids always give me that little kick in the ass I need to feel completely rejuvenated. Thank you 💘

[@BobbyChiu]

It can be hard to stay motivated at times, and that can lead us to dark places, but you're not alone! It happens to everyone at one point or another. Just remember to do the best you can everyday and only compare yourself to the person you were yesterday. Good luck!!

[@reikadoodles]

💐 I have a sketchbook where I make abstract art in the morning as a warm up to take the pressure off of drawing that day. If it looks bad everything after will look better, and if it looks ok I will feel on fire that day. There's something calming about making lines and shapes into random patterns without the intent to do it for anyone but myself. It feels a lot like being a kid and seeing a piano for the first time wanting to press the keys and see what I can do.😊 🌻 May everyone reading this have a wonderful day💌

[@denisjakovljevicArt]

Gold habit: dont look videos about artist habits, just practice your art journey

[@crazybobby14]

I've been struggling heavily with art due to my job and when arriving home I have no motivation to draw due to being very tired. On weekdays I feel that I can't draw since I feel that I wont have the motivation to continue drawing. I hope that this video helps me at least with my habits so I can keep pursuing my dream. It sucks that I got into dept for studying Art and Design just to end up killing myself in a job that isn't related to what I studied just to pay off the loans...

[@abbyrudh1399]

I relate so much 😭😭😭

[@amandivita6691]

@@abbyrudh1399 I feel for you man! Though I am not stuck in a job, I am currently working towards that cage by being in a college which I do not find satisfying. Its an accounting college, for which I do not feel anything. I am wondering if I will have the courage to go full on towards art. I have had passions before, which I left in the dust some time late. That was mainly because of a flaw in my beliefs about passion, and how to live one's life. Those failures have been keeping me from giving my all to art. I hope we both get what we want. Have a great day.

[@DrwhoAmnesia]

I think for the latter part maybe sketch when you're taking a lunch break, doodle, and maybe that's a better way if you're really busy imho

[@toontoon9232]

What online courses, schools, and colleges won’t tell you that There’s little work and the competition is HUGE.

[@fangtooth4471]

It’s true. Life also gives you nothing but time and hopefully you won’t be stuck for too long. Find something you enjoy about the job. And do know that it is not forever.

[@maazician5197]

Bobby i just to say that, at the moment you're the only person bringing positivity in my life, thankyou so much for you existence in this universe.

[@BobbyChiu]

You are kind. Thank you very much.

[@Eagerrr08]

Thank you. it's so useful that I should watch it a few times.

[@shinyhope2126]

Thank you Bob! It's another amazing video! I would like to add another habit which is self evaluating for the work outcome and doing that from time to time, for example monthly. Then, do the things you think the best to let you do better, like balancing time, rearranging the order of your things to do, or even changing things in the self that you've never thought about!

[@BobbyChiu]

Great point!! It's important to re-evaluate your habits periodically so you can see what's working/helping you progress and what's not, or simply changing your schedule around to see if certain habits are more effective at different times. Thanks for sharing that!!! :) ~S

[@shinyhope2126]

@@BobbyChiu Yes! Exactly! You are very welcome 😊 Best wishes to you!

[@julian0418]

Doing the thing that I do not wanna do first. Right. *Wakes up, goes to work* Thanks Bobby for always giving good and relatable advices.

[@Mobvio]

This video is truly a gem!Thank you for making it!^^

[@puccarts]

Agree with everything except for the bit about randomly speaking to strangers. I think women and possibly even vulnerable people and some minorities may need to be a bit more wary of this especially in big cities. Unfortunately, in today's society, this isn't always the safest thing to do even if you're simply just trying to be friendly. Use your own discretion. Thanks for sharing, Bobby!

[@BobbyChiu]

Yes agreed. My neighborhood and building feels extremely safe so I can do that.

[@puccarts]

@@BobbyChiu Really glad you are able to do that :) Stay safe, everyone!

[@mentacose]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that you want to help out as much as you can, and it's so kind of you to do so.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙏🏼 They are very encouraging to me!

[@amaramation]

This is the best advice i've heard on youtube for artists! I feel like so many advice videos are so general, but this is so specific and helpful for me as an animator on films and shows and such. Please make more!!

[@BobbyChiu]

So glad you found this advice useful!! Bobby is always hoping to help out artists and share helpful tips he has picked up throughout his career, so there will be more videos like this coming out, don't you worry!! :) ~S

[@simonspethmann8086]

It's interesting how "learning" is considered the hardest habit... For me it's more like a bad habit verging on addiction. I can spend all day every day studying happily, and virtually anything at that. This goes to the point that I spend more time studying than "doing" (i.e. applying the knowledge). So. Any good habit can be a bad habit, if you overdo it. 😅

[@BobbyChiu]

This is a great point! It's all about finding that balance when it comes to studying. Of course, studying is a great use of time and can improve your art drastically IF you also put what you've learned into practice. Studying isn't going to be as effective if you're not also applying what you've studied! Gotta make time for both :) Thanks so much for watching and for your thoughtful comment! ~S

[@gishelrivera]

been reading some self help books like the compound effect and putting it into practice and I could not agree more! Thank you for sharing positivity!

[@BobbyChiu]

You're very welcome!

[@sarahariyapperuma6822]

This 13:40 mins of my life ,for sure was a good investment .thank you so much!❤

[@NadiaRausa]

Thank you for the great suggestions, Bobby! These habits are really amazing and I’d love to try to make them a part of my habits as well.

[@BobbyChiu]

Awesome!! You can definitely make these habits your own, too, and hopefully you'll start seeing all of the positive side-effects of implementing these habits very soon! :) Good luck! ~S

[@anzelaiv]

Great talk! Agree with all the suggestions, only one never worked for me, that's starting the day doing things you don't want to do. The idea makes a lot of sense, but for some reason I often end up too drained for art after doing such tasks first (as they are usually monotonous and take long time to complete). Maybe it's because I'm a night owl and get more energised towards the evening. What works for me is setting deadlines and prioritising every task by urgency. That way anything that's pressing is done and out of the way early in the day and you have a piece of mind to focus on the art. If possible, I try not to work on one thing for longer than 2 hours. Also keeping an active/sit-down/active work pattern really helps staying focused and keeping yourself healthy.

[@BobbyChiu]

This is a fantastic suggestion! Prioritizing by urgency as opposed to what you want to do the least is another great way to stay productive and get your most important tasks done first so that you have less stress going forward in your day. Thanks so much for sharing that!! :) ~S

[@Theyusone]

Amazing video as always! Thank you Bobby!

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for your kind words and for watching this video!! :) ~S

[@dillardparker7546]

These are so Habits that should be taught in art schools as an introduction to the profession.

[@BobbyChiu]

Luckily Bobby is here to fill in any gaps that art schools might have! :) ~S

[@user-nu5br8yg4u]

Thanks for teaching!

[@BobbyChiu]

Hope this video was helpful😊 Thanks for watching! ~S

[@JamieHerself]

This is so rad to listen to, and I love your creatures. Thanks for the awesome video and the thoughtful information. Definitely need to take notes on this.

[@BobbyChiu]

Great to hear you found this helpful!! Thanks for your kind words and thanks for checking out this video! :) ~S

[@jb2839]

Thank you... love this video

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for checking it out!! :) ~s

[@jakovj.m.5139]

Willpower, one great tool, it's great to mention...

[@BobbyChiu]

Very true!! ~S

[@andromedanwildflower3383]

New to your channel but I absolutely loved this. I feel calm and ready to take it one step at a time. Art was something that I did when I was young to heal and making it a fulltime job can add complexities to that otherwise pure relationship. Recently I decided to get back to sketching In my sketchbook everyday regardless of whether it was perfect or not. Just for myself. And its helping me in ways I did not imagine. Thank you. Subscribed :)

[@BobbyChiu]

Welcome to the channel! It's really great to hear that you're getting back into art again and loving it! Doing art as a hobby is a wonderful way to "escape" and focus on being creative and having fun. Keep it up!!! And thanks for your support! :) ~S

10:36 that is so much more enlightening for an artist brain. Thank you!!

[@BobbyChiu]

Glad you found that part helpful!!! Thanks for watching :) ~S

[@jaxsonlopez6109]

great talk. thank you for the advice 🙏

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for watching!! :) ~S

[@dillardparker7546]

I revisit some of the techniques I have learned and apply them in new ways.

[@BobbyChiu]

That's great!! Going into your personal library of techniques that you're familiar with and using them in unconventional ways can lead to the best results😊 ~S

[@nougat7891]

Thank you for this video

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank YOU for checking it out ;)! ~S

[@devernepersonal3636]

12:27 i have a vision for a world of my own through art ( not all of it would be understood thats for sure) but what you are finishing describing from these last couple minutes is exactly what i need to do to have hope of getting it to exist.

[@BobbyChiu]

You can do it!! So glad you found Bobby's advice helpful. Good luck making your vision a reality!! :) ~S

[@devernepersonal3636]

@@BobbyChiu Thank you!

[@jamiesteps6589]

This is straight up life advice, not just for artists.

[@BobbyChiu]

Yes!! This advice can really be applicable to just about anyone! :) ~S

[@axelshawAk]

You inspire me, thank you

[@BobbyChiu]

You are so welcome!

[@Artsensei86]

One habit I adopted was to create a mini schedule if I have a slow day of projects. 30 minute warm up sketch usually a figure drawing, then about 20 minutes of mark making with pens and charcoal just to get the juices flowing. Then like you said in the video I will look for new techniques or new mediums and try it out. Fell in love with airbrushing because of this. Thank you for all that you do , great video

[@BobbyChiu]

That's a great habit to practice!! Thank you for sharing that :) ~S

[@Artsensei86]

@@BobbyChiu anytime, thank you for being such a great source of education and inspiration

[@gourikaaaaaa]

Thank you so much:)

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks for checking out this video! Hope you found it helpful :) ~S

[@TheArtMentor]

Habits literally make or brake the potential success of artists. Spot on Bobby

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️ ~S

[@janigalarneau9534]

Wise words

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you!! :) Hope you found them helpful! ~s

[@seanmcclain791]

One habit I have been working on is whenever I start hating on my work I estimate the total time from beginning to end I have stared and scrutinized the painting or drawing and I find a painting that is good in my eyes by someone else and stare at it and scrutinize it to the same degree. I find I can't even do it longer that 5 minutes before I feel as though i can never look at it again because I will have noticed so many irksome little things. Similar to enjoying a rose because it is a rose philosophy in Zen. I find when I realize what is actually happening I know I can never see my own art for the first time and have that experience and that I really have to just move on to the next one.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you for sharing that!! Hopefully others will find your tip helpful as well! :) ~S

[@rachelthompson7487]

These are some really great tips thanks. Also I really like your voice.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks so much for your kind words!! Great to hear you found this video helpful! :) ~S

[@rachelthompson7487]

@@BobbyChiu your welcome

[@mspooner]

I always eat my veggies first. I want to eat them least, but they taste the best when they're freshest. Then I can enjoy my less wholesome foods that taste better And I've extended this to the rest of my life. Absolutely agree, get those hard things out of the way.

[@BobbyChiu]

Yes! Great example. Thanks for sharing that😊 ~S

[@seervisual7447]

I like doing some physical excercise in the morning before sitting down, whether that be some pushups or literally cleaning up my room just to wake up my body + mind.

[@BobbyChiu]

That's a great idea!! Not only is it good for your physical health, but your mental health as well! :) Thanks for watching! ~S

[@seervisual7447]

@@BobbyChiu thanks for posting and being inspirational as always!

[@chariots8x230]

Habit tips start at 1:54 Great advice!

[@BobbyChiu]

Glad you found this helpful!! Thanks for watching! :) ~S

[@fangtooth4471]

Painting should be a calming experience, thinking differently takes more energy sometimes, at least your brain will be more empowered. Let your world slip into your hands & forget any negativity you may happen to come by because there is a whole universe of information out there that we need to understand and worth discovering. Just be chill :::) Bobby I love watching you paint! BTW do you still use a tablet? I find your brush strokes are very loosey-goosey= awesome.

[@BobbyChiu]

Thanks so much for your kind words! Bobby uses a Wacom Cintiq Pro tablet :) ~S

[@cynthiaestrada5200]

You’re channel is really educating and inviting! Do you have a book ?

[@BobbyChiu]

I do. It’s called the perfect bait. It’s sold out but I did an audio version on my channel.

[@abhirutmeherishi5738]

This painting reminds me of the movie CJ7. Did you work on that film?

[@Storia1412]

i luv da wisdom

[@BobbyChiu]

Thank you!! :) ~S

[@jhennifercarla920]

Really great video! I'll try my best to adopt at least most of these habits... Though, I'm ngl, 6th habit's explanation made me want to bash my head against a wall until I fell unconscious, it was kinda hard to understand :(

[@BobbyChiu]

Try adding these habits to your routine one at a time so you don't overwhelm yourself!!❤️❤️❤️ ~S

[@rubincohen2910]

hey great channel

[@BobbyChiu]

Glad you found this channel!! Welcome! :) ~S

[@jackvanden-plas4366]

I live in South Africa, a country which I love with all my heart but the unemployment here is higher than almost any other country outside of Africa. I have been trying to find art related jobs and I have started by trying to find a tattoo apprenticeship but I have had no luck. I don't know what to do anymore because no one will buy my art either and I am willing to sell it at any cost. my question is what do you think I should do? Any advice, or constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated, Kind Regards.

[@BobbyChiu]

Sorry to hear about the trouble you're having finding employment! Finding a job can be tough, especially where the unemployment rates are high. Would you be open to applying to different studios outside of South Africa? Since there are so many studios hiring remote artists these days, that could be an option you might want to look into! If you'd like, you can also check out this interview with Schoolism instructor, Djamila Knopf, who shares how she is able to support herself with no clients: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4iZmGSZqsaqZ6c Hope you find that interview helpful!! Best of luck to you!!! :) ~S

[@Vizible21]

Hi I've been watching some of your vids lately and I just can't get a grasp of the way you're painting. It feels as tho your brush movement doesn't match with what's on the canvas or is it just me?

[@Vigil314]

We may deplete our willpower reserves per state of mind. It matters what is motivating us in the background, it's our carrot on a stick. If you and I are absorbing optimal nutrients, gaining increased neural plasticity through regular physical exercise, and oscillating what frame of mind that exists to drive us, it's essentially changing to a backup battery of willpower, this will not cause you to burn out if done correctly. Do you have more than one thing you care about? As long as there is enough options to drive us, maybe harsh conditions? it has been demonstrated as advantageous to push and expand limits, rather than avoiding them, humans are resilient and adaptive creatures. Strength through adversity. We become acclimated to our conditions, and what was once hard will become easy, then onto the next level.. Check out William Walker's book "the art of concentration" he touches on some of these concepts.

[@BobbyChiu]

thank you for your comment

[@weweweLit]

I bet Boddy gonna tie it back to schoolism xD

[@SoketeiArts]

i would worry about not being about to draw for the rest of my life rather am i good enough to get an art job.

[@166iq3]

you're a very fast painter

[@carollizc]

Oh, I love that last one! Me: The only stupid question is the one you don't ask? The Kid: Why should I ask questions? Me: How else are you gonna learn? The Kid: But it's summertime! There's no school! Me: (bangs head on wall)

[@BobbyChiu]

😅😅😅😅 ~S

[@puixel]

My favorite Hobbit is Froddo...

[@alinerdelav]

I'm Not a good role model. I fell asleep in front of my kid when sketching, studying... Reading... Orz

[@isNotSeb]

So the 1st habit is not to get yourself an offspring, but a role model, my mind =..=

[@mjolninja9358]

As an artist I sleep

[@sternleiche]

one should try to do unliked or uncomfortable things throughout the whole day without grief, at least as long energy is still available. Art is nice but there are so many professions far more important, the most valuable ones are almost all uncomfortable physically and mentally straining at the same time. deskjobs ruin our species physique and character.

[@voramz]

K

[@lucid6915]

If it isn't broke don't fix it.

[@Nogardtist]

my habits are draw look how bad it is post it and get 0 views a year actually its 84 views a year if im lucky call my art garbage for years repeat and its a closed purgatory loop

[@BobbyChiu]

Hey, don't get discouraged! Try doing art just for yourself, and don't worry about likes/views or doing art simply for the sake of having something to post on social media. Keep practicing and try to enjoy the process while you do! ~S

[@Nogardtist]

@@BobbyChiu difficult to do then odds stacked against

[@illustratornamedkasper]

@@Nogardtist who's stacking those odds?

[@yeye3999]

1. Stop asking people how they stay motivated. 2. Stop asking people what pen they use. 3. Stop asking people what brush they use. 4. Stop asking people how they avoid thinking bad thoughts. 5. Stop asking people how they avoid doing bad art. 6. Stop asking people about how they do things PERIOD. 7. STOP POSTING 500 ITERATIONS OF YOUR WORK IN PROGRESS ON INSTAGRAM. 8. Observe, think and do.